ETSN.fm Preseason Class 6A/5A Poll: No. 4, Lufkin Panthers

The Lufkin Panthers' 6-5 record in 2014 doesn't tell the whole story. The five losses came by a combined 20 points, which made the Pack's season a tad misleading.

Lufkin, which graduated the majority of its nucleus from a season ago, will be young this season. But the nonetheless, the Panthers check in at No. 4 in ETSN.fm's preseason Class 6A/5A poll.

A terrific offensive foursome of quarterback Trey Cumbie, running back Steven Sowell, and receivers Keke Coutee and Terry Mark must be replaced, but fourth-year head coach Todd Quick is high one some of the newcomers about to take the field.

The group will be headlined by junior quarterback Kordell Rogers, who led Lufkin to the consolation championship of the state 7-on-7 tournament in College last month. Dhailon Phillips, a move-in from Mount Enterprise, is a potential game-changer at receiver, and Lufkin's offensive line appears to be in good shape with the return of Jerrod Johnson and Joseph Bell.

Defensively, Lufkin will be anchored by senior end Bronson "Boom" Massie, who has received a handful of Division I scholarship offers. Massie filled the stat sheet a season ago with 88 tackles (18 for loss), 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

The Panthers also welcome back fellow defensive lineman Eric Smallwood, who can cause havoc as well, both in the running game and as a pass-rusher.

2015 Lufkin Panthers Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Time/Result
Aug. 28	at Longview	L 21-20
Sept. 4	Tyler Lee	W 52-49 (OT)
Sept. 11	vs. West Monroe (at Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.)	L 44-36
Sept. 18	OPEN
Sept. 25	*Nacogdoches	W 38-0
Oct. 2	*at Whitehouse	W 47-3
Oct. 9	*John Tyler	L 41-38
Oct. 16	*Lindale	W 28-27
Oct. 23	*at Ennis	W 2-0
Oct. 30	*Corsicana	W 38-10
Nov. 6	*at Jacksonville	W 50-6
Nov. 13	(BI-DISTRICT): vs. Longview	L 31-10